The male protagonist of the book is poisonous

Armed with two artifact fragments, Luo Chen and I set off without stopping towards the next marked location. After leaving the mysterious valley, the path grew increasingly rugged and difficult, as if nature had deliberately placed numerous obstacles to test our resolve in our pursuit of the artifact fragments. The surrounding landscape grew increasingly desolate. Withered, yellow weeds trembled in the wind, their slender leaves like threads drained of life, twisting feebly in the breeze. Each leaf seemed to emit a faint wail, telling of the suffering this land had endured. The weeds intertwined, forming a lifeless sea of ​​withered yellow. The wind rustled them, a sound like a mournful elegy, echoing across the empty landscape.

Occasionally, a few dead trees stand alone in this desolate landscape, like forgotten guardians. Their branches are twisted beyond recognition, as if forcibly twisted into a knot by some immense force. The bark has cracked and fallen off, revealing the withered wood, which resembles the wrinkled skin of an old man, rough and dull. Like withered arms, the branches helplessly stretch toward the sky, as if in prayer, or perhaps telling a story of past prosperity and present decline. Each dead tree is like an ancient story, silently standing there, witnessing the passage of time.

After a long walk, we arrived at a small town. At the entrance, a dilapidated stone tablet, inscribed with faint inscriptions, seemed to tell of the town's once glorious history, but now, time has eroded it beyond recognition. Entering the town, the cobblestone streets were bumpy and uneven, each slab bearing the brunt of countless wars and natural disasters. Moss grew in the cracks between the slabs, like a green carpet, adding a touch of vitality to the gray stone pavement, but also accentuating its desolation. The streets were deserted, save for a few children playing in a corner. Their clothes were ragged and patched, like a colorful jigsaw puzzle. Despite this, they wore innocent smiles, a ray of light in the darkness, a precious sight in this somewhat depressing town. However, behind these smiles, a hint of hardship seemed to linger. Occasionally, a flicker of worry crossed their eyes, reflecting confusion and uncertainty about their future.

Strangely, the people here, upon seeing us, revealed a mixture of awe and fear. Their gazes were like thorns, carefully sizing us up, yet they didn't dare approach too closely. We stopped at a small inn, ready to rest and inquire about clues to the next marked location.

Upon entering the inn, a stale air permeated the air. It was a pungent and oppressive mixture of years of smoke, damp wood, and moldy fabrics. The tables and chairs were arranged in a chaotic manner, as if swept through by a storm. Some of the legs looked rickety, like an elderly person clinging to their last remaining strength. The slightest touch would cause them to creak painfully and fall apart. A few guests sat in a corner, talking in low voices, their voices soft as a mosquito's buzz, as if they were afraid to be overheard. Their expressions were tense, their eyes flicking toward the door, as if wary of something. Upon seeing us enter, they stopped talking and stared intently at us, their gazes filled with curiosity, confusion, and a hint of inexplicable nervousness. The innkeeper, a slightly portly middle-aged man, gave us a forced smile. The smile seemed forced, and on his wrinkled face it looked a little funny, yet also unnatural. There was a hint of wariness in his eyes, and although he tried to appear enthusiastic, one could still sense his uneasiness.

"Gentlemen, are you stopping by for a quick meal or staying the night?" the host asked. His voice was a little hoarse, as if he hadn't had water in a while, or his throat was damaged by the smoke. Every word seemed to be squeezed out from his throat with difficulty, with a rough texture.

"Stay in the hotel and prepare some food for us," Luo Chen said. His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the somewhat silent inn, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, breaking the originally oppressive atmosphere.

"Okay." The boss turned to prepare the meal, glancing back at us from time to time. His eyes were inquiring, like a sharp scalpel, trying to discern our identities and intentions from our appearance and behavior. His steps were hurried, as if he wanted to escape our sight as quickly as possible, but he had to finish his work.

While waiting for my meal, I couldn't help but ask an elderly man nearby: "Old man, do you know of any special places around here? We're looking for something important." I tried to sound gentle and friendly, not wanting to arouse unnecessary suspicion. I smiled, like the warm sun on a winter's day, trying to melt any remaining defensiveness in the old man's heart.

The old man raised his head and glanced at me with cloudy eyes. His eyes seemed covered in a thick layer of dust, a blurry look, yet revealing the depth of someone who had experienced many hardships. Then he slowly said, "Are you from outside? There's a mysterious cave nearby. Legend has it that there lives a prophet who can know the past and the future. However, it's a dangerous place, and few dare to approach." The old man spoke slowly, each word sounding carefully considered, as if he were guarding an ancient secret. His voice was filled with a sense of vicissitudes, as if he had witnessed the rise and fall of this town, and every syllable was an echo of history.

Luo Chen and I exchanged a glance, each believing this prophet might offer clues to the artifact fragments. A glimmer of hope flickered in our eyes, like a candlelight suddenly lit in the darkness, flickering beneath our gazes. It was the excitement and anticipation of seeing hope again after enduring countless hardships and dangers.

After dinner, we followed the old man's directions and headed for the mysterious cave. The closer we got, the more oppressive the atmosphere grew. The cave was surrounded by jagged rocks, each one a work of art crafted by nature with uncanny skill, yet imbued with an eerie aura. Some resembled ferocious beasts, their maws gaping, their teeth like daggers, ready to pounce on their prey. Others resembled hunched old men, their backs bent as if crushed by a heavy burden, as if bearing immense pressure and testifying to the relentless passage of time. From time to time, a sinister wind rustled, a howling sound like it blew from the depths of hell, like the weeping of ghosts, or the lamentations of countless wronged souls. The sound echoed through the valley like a terrifying symphony, chilling to the bone.

We cautiously entered the cave. It was dimly lit, with only a few faint glimmers of light filtering through from a few cracks. These rays, like delicate golden threads, seemed especially precious in the darkness. Each ray of light felt like hope in the darkness, bringing a touch of life to this eerie cave. Light pierced through the dust, creating golden paths that danced like a flock of ethereal spirits. After walking for a while, we spotted a faint glow ahead. Approaching, we saw a white-haired old man sitting on a rock, his eyes closed, as if in meditation. His hair, as white as snow, long and flowing over his shoulders, swayed slightly with his breathing, like a flowing galaxy. Each strand was a trace of time, a record of his long life. His face appeared serene, yet radiated a mysterious aura, like that of an immortal, transcending the mortal realm.

"Are you the prophet?" I asked softly. My voice was exceptionally gentle in the quiet cave, as if I was afraid to disturb the mysterious old man. It was as light as a feather falling, barely causing any ripples in the air.

The old man slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were deep and luminous, as if they could see through the soul. They were like two bottomless lakes, their calm surface seemingly hiding endless secrets. They were also like two brilliant stars, gleaming with a mysterious light in the darkness, imbued with boundless wisdom and mysterious power. "Why have you come?" The old man's voice was deep and hoarse, as if it came from a distant land, with an ancient rhythm. Every word was like the sound of an ancient bell, echoing in the cave, making one feel as if they had traveled through time and space.

Luo Chen stepped forward and said, "We are searching for artifact fragments to prevent an evil force from destroying the world. We have heard that you can see the past and the future, and we hope you can give us some clues." Luo Chen's voice was firm and powerful, and his eyes revealed a firm belief, a determination to save the world at all costs. His voice echoed in the cave like a solemn oath, full of power and a sense of mission.

The old man nodded slightly, then slowly spoke, "The artifact fragments are powerful, but evil also lurks in the shadows. You have already obtained two fragments, but the road ahead will be even more difficult. Far to the north, a snow-capped mountain hides the next fragment. However, to reach it, you must traverse a forest filled with illusions and a cursed river." The old man spoke slowly, each word weighing heavily on our hearts. His voice, like the teachings of a wise man, was calm yet full of power, making us deeply aware of the challenges ahead.

I frowned and asked, "So how do we deal with those illusions and curses?" Worry filled my heart. Illusions and curses were fraught with uncertainty and danger. If I wasn't careful, I could end up in a place of no return. There was a hint of anxiety in my voice, like a bird trapped in a cage, desperately seeking a way out.

The old man glanced at me and said, "In this forest of illusion, you must trust your own heart and not be deceived by the illusions before you. Only those with pure hearts can safely cross the cursed river." The old man's eyes held a profound gaze, as if he were examining our hearts, examining whether we possessed the courage and purity of heart to face the challenges ahead. His gaze was like an X-ray, piercing through our exteriors and reaching the depths of our souls.

After Luo Chen thanked the old man, we left the cave. Heading north, we soon arrived at the illusion forest. As soon as we entered the forest, the scene around us began to transform. I saw beautiful memories of the past: my family gathered together, laughing and talking. The house was filled with a warm atmosphere, the table laden with my favorite foods, and my family's faces beamed with joy. The scene was so real; I could smell the familiar aroma of home-cooked meals and hear the kind words of my loved ones. The aroma had a magical power, drawing me in, wanting to immerse myself in these beautiful memories. But I knew it was an illusion. I clutched Luo Chen's arm tightly, reminding myself not to be deceived. My fingers dug into his arm, my nails practically digging into his flesh, using the pain to keep me awake. My heart began to race, my heart torn between fond memories and the reality of reality, like a fierce tug-of-war.

Luo Chen also saw the vision he longed for, but his eyes remained steadfast as he pulled me forward. Suddenly, a massive monster appeared before us, lunging at us with its claws bared. The monster was enormous, its claws razor-sharp, each one like a scimitar. A cold gleam gleamed from them, like ice knives on a winter's day, seemingly capable of tearing through anything with ease. Its eyes gleamed fiercely, a light like a burning flame, filled with rage and hostility. Blazing flames erupted from its mouth, sweeping towards us like a raging fire serpent, scorching the earth in its wake. Luo Chen drew his sword to meet the blow, but the blade pierced the monster's body, leaving it standing. Luo Chen's brow furrowed slightly, knowing the power of the illusion, but he remained unfazed. His gaze remained firm, like an unshakable mountain, his heart brimming with conviction, unwavering by this illusory vision.

"This is an illusion. Don't be affected by it," I shouted. My voice trembled with nervousness, but I tried to sound firm. My voice was like a warning bell ringing in the darkness, trying to awaken the rationality deep within us.

We closed our eyes and continued forward, relying on our senses. With every step, we could feel the surrounding landscape constantly shifting, and strange noises echoed in our ears. Those voices were like the whispers of demons, filled with temptation and evil power, trying to lead us astray. They were like sweet words, whispering beautiful promises, but behind them lay endless dangers. After walking for an unknown amount of time, we finally emerged from the illusion forest. When we opened our eyes, the scene before us was completely different; the illusion forest had been left behind. Our hearts were filled with a sense of accomplishment, as if we had conquered an insurmountable peak.

Ahead lay the cursed river. The waters shone an eerie black, as if stained by countless dark forces. The black was as thick as ink, seemingly swallowing everything around it. The waters exuded a pungent odor, a scent like rotting corpses mixed with acrid chemicals, making one nauseous. The acrid smell was like invisible tentacles trying to penetrate our nostrils, causing our bodies to instinctively resist. We stood by the river, unsure how to cross. The waters flowed slowly, gurgling, as if mocking our helplessness. That sound, like a malicious mockery, echoed in our ears, adding to our unease.

"We must maintain a pure heart," Luo Chen said. His eyes revealed a firm conviction. He took a deep breath, as if to encourage himself. His chest swelled slightly, as if gathering strength to prepare for the upcoming challenge.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the river with Luo Chen. The water was icy cold, a chill like countless needles piercing our bones, causing our bodies to tremble uncontrollably. Each icy needle felt like the fingers of a demon, playing a terrifying melody on our bones. But we gritted our teeth and pressed forward, step by step. Suddenly, the river surged with enormous waves, trying to swallow us. The waves were like giant black hands reaching out towards us. Each black hand was a formidable threat, trying to drag us into the dark abyss. But we held each other's hands tightly, our mission to save the world in mind, and finally, we successfully crossed the river. As we crossed the river, we felt as if our hearts had been baptized, becoming purer and more resolute. Our souls felt purified, filled with strength and hope.

After reaching the other side, we saw the snow-capped mountain. Towering into the clouds, the snow reflected the sunlight, stinging our eyes. The ice and snow enveloped the peak like a thick layer of white armor. Each snowflake was a loyal guard, protecting the mountain's secrets. From time to time, chunks of ice slid down from the peak, rumbling like the mountain's roar. The sound echoed through the valley like thunder, demonstrating the mountain's majesty and inviolability. We knew the next artifact fragment lay atop this peak. Though the path remained difficult, we remained steadfast, climbing steadily toward the summit. Our footsteps left deep imprints in the snow, a symbol of our unwavering faith, moving step by step toward our goal. Each footprint was like a written note of our resolve, telling the world that no difficulty would stop us.